How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: all the ways from standard to hidden

Xiaomi Redmi 7A is still a popular budget smartphone, but its MIUI firmware has limitations on application management. If you need to hide messengers, banking programs or games from prying eyes, in this article we will discuss 5 working methods, including system functions and workarounds. Importantly, some methods require superuser rights or third-party utilities, but we will start with the simplest.

Hiding apps on Redmi 7A is important for owners who share a phone with children, colleagues or just want to keep privacy. Note that MIUI 10 (the original firmware for Redmi 7A) does not have the Hidden Apps feature in the standard launcher – it was added only to MIUI 12+.

1. Hiding through the built-in MIUI function (if available)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has an official app hiding option, which can be checked on Redmi 7A as follows:

1. Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
2. Slip on the item Hidden applications (if there is none - the method is not suitable).
3. Select programs from the list and confirm with a password / fingerprint.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 7A factory-firmware (MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie) this feature is not. MIUI 12+ unofficially, check the stability of the work – possible bugs with the display of hidden icons after the reboot.

If you don't have a built-in option, you can go to alternative methods, and one of the most reliable is using third-party launchers with a hidden function.

2. Use of third-party launchers (without root)

Launchers like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher allow you to hide applications without superuser rights.

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger on the main screen → Nova settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the necessary programs and save them.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔄 It works on any version. MIUI Android.
• 🔒 Doesn't require root rights.
• 📱 Hidden applications remain available through a launcher search (enter the name in the search bar).

⚠️ Warning: When you reset the launcher to the factory settings, hidden applications will be visible again, and some system utilities (such as Settings or Phone) will not be able to hide.

Install Nova Launcher from the official store|Backup the main screen (in Nova settings)|Check the list of applications for duplicates|Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

3. Create a hidden folder in MIUI (bypass)

If you want to hide apps from random glances but not from targeted search, use transparent icon folders, which works on all versions of MIUI, including Redmi 7A:

1. Create a folder on the home screen and move the desired applications to it.
2. Click on the folder → Edit → change the name to space (click Space on the keyboard).
3. Set a transparent icon for the folder (download an empty.png file from the Internet or use the Icon Changer app).

🔹 Limitations:

• 👁️ The folder is visible when swiping down (search by application).
• 🔍 In Settings → Program applications remain visible.
• 📂 Update MIUI folder icon could be dropped.

4. Disabling applications (partial concealment)

If the goal is to remove unnecessary programs from the menu, but not to remove them completely, use the Disable:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program → Shut down.
3. Confirm the action (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

⚠️ Note: Disabled apps are not updated via Google Play and may conflict with the system, for example, disabling Google Play Services will lead to errors in other programs.

5. Hiding through ADB (for power users)

If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can hide applications at the system level. This method doesn't require root, but requires a PC connection:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect Redmi 7A to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.example.app (replace com.example.app with a batch name for the program, for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
3. To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

🔹 How to find out the packet name?

• 📱 Install App Inspector from Google Play.
• 🔍 Open the app. → Copy the Package Name string.

💡

Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Errors in commands can cause system failures.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Redmi 7A, users often face the following problems:

• 🔄 Icons return after rebooting → Solution: Use a launcher with autosave settings (e.g. Nova Launcher Prime).
• 🔍 Appendices are visible in the menu "All applications" → Solution: Combine Hiding Through Launcher + shutdown (methods 2 and 4).
• 🚫 You can't hide system utilities. → Solution: this requires root or custom firmware.

If you need to hide banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff), consider:

• 💳 Some programs block work on devices with root or unlocked bootloader.
• 🔐 For additional protection, use App Lock in Settings → Blocking applications (requires a password every time you open).

💡

The most reliable way without root is a combination of a third-party launcher (to hide icons) + disabling the application (to remove from the All Apps menu).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions